New England Aquarium advocates for climate and conservation legislation
New England Council member, the New England Aquarium, held a press conference discussing its upcoming legislative agenda. The list includes ones that would create programs to aid the state’s marine economy, encourage people to keep materials such as plastics in circulation for as long as possible before they get thrown out and use wetlands to help the state reach its net-zero carbon emissions goals.
After the 2020 COVID lockdown, aquarium staff took it as an opportunity to reevaluate their goals and priorities. Now, the New England Aquarium will be dipping into political advocacy focusing on energy, the environment, and conservation. One notable bill introduced was one that expedites state permitting for climate resiliency projects on public lands, municipal governments are already giving approval and taking initiative. The main goal of this newfound policy advocacy is to not only promote climate and clean energy policy, but to also promote an attractive balance between conservation and industry necessities.
“The fact they are really partnering with the Legislature in that effort shows a [strong] response to the climate emergency that’s happening right now,” said Senator Susan Moran, who is a large advocate of the aquarium’s proposed bills.
The New England Council commends the New England Aquarium for its commitment to environmental conservation.
Read more from the Boston Globe.